In talking to a close and lifelong friend of mine who is the only Illinois native to be honored as a consensus All-State basketball player (hon. mention AA) AND a First Team Div. I All-American in golf, he told me this about his view on coaches. All he wanted was a coach as passionate, driven, and hard working as he was who supported and trusted him....and pushed him to be better every day. He never had a screamer for a coach and never had to respond to negative motivation. This guy was always asking questions about doing the right thing for every situation and welcomed any criticism. He had a deep respect and appreciation for every coach he had from the time he was 6 right through his collegiate career...and felt lucky to have been able to play for all of them.
The point he made was that if a player is truly driven to be the best he/she can be, the temperament of the coach is of little importance. It's all about being a part of something bigger than yourself but trying to be the best self you can be...and the coach is just part of that team...a very important part.
As it relates to Underwood, the U. of Illinois is fortunate to have him and he is fortunate to be coaching at U of I. He works hard, is passionate, pushes his players, and seems to always be learning and adapting. So, let BU be BU. My hometown fired one of the most legendary and successful coaches in Illinois HS basketball history just because some tinker bell got elected to the School Board and decided to get rid of him because he used a curse word. Underwood is far from Bob Knight and his horrendous behavior Let him do his job.
